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Science News Archive December 2023


Page 28 of 29

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

'Doughnut' beams help physicists see incredibly small objects

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new technique using doughnut-shaped beams of light to take detailed images of objects too tiny to view with traditional microscopes. This approach could help scientists improve nanoelectronics by inspecting semiconductors without damaging them.

New study maps ketamine's effects on brain

A new study published in Cell Reports mapped ketamine's effects on the brains of mice, revealing widespread structural changes in the dopamine system after repeated use. The findings suggest that targeting specific areas of the brain with ketamine therapy could minimize unintended effects.

Unravelling the mechanism of urticaria from eruption shapes

A study by Kyoto University researchers uses hierarchical mathematical modeling to analyze the shapes of skin eruptions and link them to the in vivo pathological dynamics of CSU. The Criteria for Classification of Eruption Geometry (EGe criteria) was developed, demonstrating high reliability among dermatologists.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

More than 100 “magic mushroom” genomes point the way to new cultivars

Researchers sequenced over 100 'magic mushroom' genomes to learn about their domestication and cultivation. They found that commercial cultivars lack genetic diversity, while naturalized populations in Australia maintain more diversity, including unique gene variants controlling psilocybin production.

New study: deep sea sensor reveals that corals produce reactive oxygen species

A new study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that deep-sea corals and sponges produce the ROS superoxide, a highly reactive compound with previously unknown effects on ocean life and chemistry. The researchers used a one-of-a-kind deep-sea chemiluminescent sensor to detect superoxide in water closely surrounding corals.

New technique efficiently offers insight into gene regulation

Researchers developed a new technique called MAbID to study multiple mechanisms of gene regulation simultaneously, enabling the connection between different gene expression processes. This technology can be applied to various fields, including human development and disease research.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Most adults eligible for statins for prevention are not using them

According to a new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, most adults who qualify for statin use for primary prevention are not receiving them. The study found that despite increased overall statin use over time, only 35% of eligible adults were taking statins between 2013 and 2018. The researchers suggest that innovative effo...

Health Affairs’ December Issue: Global Lessons From COVID-19

The December issue of Health Affairs explores global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing growing quality issues in the pharmaceutical industry and concerning healthcare disruptions in Latin America. Survey data also highlights vaccine uptake inequities in low- and middle-income countries.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Sugar permeation discovered in plant aquaporins

University of Adelaide researchers observed sucrose transport in plant aquaporins for the first time, expanding their role in plant biology. HvNIP2;1 aquaporin has altered structural characteristics that enable saccharide transport.

Underwater vehicle AI model could be used in other adaptive control systems

A novel bio-inspired computing approach using Biologically-Inspired Experience Replay (BIER) has improved the reliability of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and other adaptive control systems. The method leverages recent experiences to stabilize UUVs in challenging conditions, outperforming conventional methods.

A farsighted approach to tackle nearsightedness #Acoustics23

Researchers using acoustic imaging measure eye size and growth to better understand myopia's contributing factors. Education level, light stimulation, and outdoor time are found to correlate with the development of myopia. Current solutions like glasses and contacts are being replaced by eyedrops for children and collaborative efforts ...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Filling data gaps to assess the role of education in fertility decline

Researchers reconstructed data on fertility and education using a modeling framework, affirming existing literature that educated women have lower fertility rates. The study highlights the spillover effect of education on fertility behavior, with more women following suit in communities where education levels increase.

Quantum physics: Superconducting Nanowires Detect Single Protein Ions

A research team has developed a new method for detecting protein ions using superconducting nanowire detectors, which achieve almost 100% quantum efficiency and can distinguish between macromolecules based on their impact energy. This breakthrough improves the detection of proteins in mass spectrometry and offers additional information.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Increase in child suicide linked to the nation’s opioid crisis

A new study by RAND Corporation links the nation's opioid crisis to a surge in child suicides, with reformulated prescription opioids contributing to the growth. The analysis found that geographic areas with higher rates of prescription OxyContin misuse experienced sharper growth in child suicide rates.

Snail-inspired robot could scoop ocean microplastics

Researchers developed a robot prototype inspired by a snail's ability to collect food particles at the water-air interface. The device uses an undulating motion to suck in microplastics from the surface of oceans and seas.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

10 billion year, 50,000 light-year journey to black hole

Astronomers discover star S0-6 with chemical composition similar to small galaxies outside Milky Way, suggesting extragalactic origin. The star, 10 billion years old, has traveled over 50,000 light-years from its birthplace to reach vicinity of Sagittarius A*, raising questions about its past and possible companions.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Pioneering the future: An innovative approach to plant synthetic genomics

A new bottom-up approach to genome synthesis in multicellular plants is proposed using the model moss Physcomitrium patens. The study discusses challenges such as genome assembly and plant transformation, highlighting recent breakthroughs and limitations that must be overcome for wider application.

Needle-free ultrasound vaccine delivery #Acoustics23

Researchers have developed a needle-free ultrasound vaccine delivery technique that produces a higher immune response than traditional methods. By harnessing acoustic energy to clear passages and drive drug molecules into cells, the approach shows promise in reducing costs and increasing efficacy while minimizing risks.

Generative model unveils secrets of material disorder

Scientists at National University of Singapore developed a hybrid generative machine learning model to explore structural disorders in complex materials. The model unveiled pathways to material disorder, shedding light on factors affecting piezoelectric response. It also found evidence that domain boundaries maximize entropy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2

Research found that being overweight hampers the body's immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to reduced antibody levels and activity. However, vaccination offered protection against COVID-19. The study suggests personalized recommendations for overweight individuals to ensure better COVID-19 management.

Teaching physics from the din of flying discs #Acoustics23

Researchers created a unique dataset from flying discs, enabling students to learn basic signal processing tools and data visualization techniques. The experiment uses Doppler shift to determine velocity, providing valuable insights into acoustics.

Translation inhibition in CRISPR-Cas antiviral defense system

Researchers discovered a novel family of effector proteins called Cami1 that inhibit translation in bacteria attacked by viruses. By cleaving specific mRNAs, Cami1 prevents the production of viral proteins, allowing the bacterium to conserve resources.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study identifies peptide as key mediator in heavy alcohol drinking

A study from Boston University School of Medicine identifies pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) as a critical player in heavy alcohol consumption. PACAP's action in the brain's bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) region is found to be linked to increased stress responses and excessive drinking behavior.

Aging societies more vulnerable to collapse

Pre-modern states faced a steeply increasing risk of collapse within two centuries after formation, driven by environmental degradation, economic inequality, and other internal mechanisms. The research highlights the need to understand these internal processes that contribute to state demise.

A color-based sensor to emulate skin's sensitivity

ChromoSense uses a translucent rubber cylinder with colored sections to detect changes in bending, stretching, compression, and temperature. The device has potential applications in wearable technologies and soft robots, offering a more targeted and information-dense sensing solution than traditional camera-based systems.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Can preeclampsia be prevented?

A study published in Science Advances found that abnormal cell stress in the placenta's syncytiotrophoblast layer may lead to preeclampsia. Researchers also developed a mouse model to demonstrate the effects of this stress, showing similar signs of high blood pressure and kidney damage.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Harvesting more solar energy with supercrystals

LMU researchers create a two-dimensional supercrystal that generates hydrogen from formic acid using sunlight, holding the world record for green hydrogen production. The material uses plasmonic nanostructures to concentrate solar energy and convert it into high-energy electrons.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Pathogens use force to breach immune defenses, study finds

Researchers at Indiana University discovered that pathogens can apply physical forces during entry into host cells, evading degradation and surviving intracellularly. This finding suggests targeting pathogen movement may be a new way to combat infection inside cells.

A new possible explanation for the Hubble tension

Researchers from Universities of Bonn and St. Andrews propose an alternative theory of gravity as the cause of the discrepancy in measured values of the Hubble-Lemaitre constant. This 'modified Newtonian dynamics' (MOND) theory predicts the existence of regions with lower matter density, which would explain the observed deviations.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.